Did you slip and fall on an icy sidewalk while walking home from work in New York City, or did you slip and fall on a snowy set of stairs while sightseeing? Either way, one of the first things you should do is touch base with a slip-and-fall lawyer in New York.
A New York slip-and-fall lawyer will analyze your accident’s circumstances and tell you whether to consider legal action. The property owner who failed to clear or improperly clear an icy sidewalk or set of stairs may be to blame for their negligence. This could put you in a position to file an accident claim through a personal injury attorney and collect compensation to cover medical costs and other expenses.
Not enlisting the services of a lawyer who can provide the proper legal representation is just one mistake you should avoid after a winter slip-and-fall accident in NYC. Find out about several others below.
Failing To Seek Medical Attention
During a winter slip-and-fall accident in New York, you might sustain serious injuries. Common slip-and-fall injuries that may occur include:
- Deep lacerations
- Fractured bones
- Soft-tissue injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
Approximately one million Americans visit emergency rooms annually to treat injuries from slip-and-fall accidents, ranging from minor bruises to paralyzing SCIs.
No matter how serious you think a winter slip-and-fall accident was — or wasn’t — seek medical attention before doing anything else. You risk being unable to take legal action through a New York slip-and-fall lawyer if you can’t prove an accident caused injuries you sustained.
NYC has almost a dozen public hospitals and many urgent-care centers. Visit one immediately and ask medical professionals to set you up with injury documentation and other medical records.
Neglecting To Document the Accident Scene
If you sustain a severe head or spinal cord injury during a winter slip-and-fall accident in New York City, you might not have a chance to document your accident scene. However, you should attempt to do this at all costs, even if it means asking a family member or friend to head to the scene to do so on your behalf.
Right after a slip-and-fall accident, you should pull out your smartphone and take as many photographs and videos as possible. Before leaving the scene, use your phone to capture whatever caused your accident, such as an especially icy sidewalk or a set of stairs covered with snow.
If whoever owns the sidewalk or set of stairs suspects that property owner responsibility could come into play during your case, they might quickly clean up the scene. If for no other reason, they’ll do it to stop others from slipping and falling like you did.
Documenting the scene will preserve it for a New York slip-and-fall lawyer and help them determine whether you have enough evidence to file a premises liability case.
Speaking With an Insurance Company Too Soon
Within days of your winter slip-and-fall accident in New York, you may receive a phone call from an insurance company looking to speak with you about what happened. They might ask questions about your slip and fall and try to convince you to say something that will allow them to blame you.
For this reason, you should not speak with an insurance company until you’ve discussed your case with a New York slip-and-fall lawyer. They will handle talking to this insurance company and prevent insurance adjusters from confusing you with questions.
Waiting Too Long To Take Legal Action
Don’t waste time if you plan to file a slip-and-fall claim in New York City. The statute of limitations for personal injury cases in the Empire State is three years. However, if the City itself is responsible, you only have 90 days to file a notice.
This may seem like plenty of time to file a lawsuit in a slip-and-fall case. However, it goes by faster than you might think, especially if your case is complex and a New York slip-and-fall lawyer needs to conduct a lengthy investigation.
Don’t hesitate to reach out to a personal injury attorney right away. The last thing you want to do is wait too long and see your opportunity to file an accident claim disappear.
Deciding To Work With the Wrong Lawyer
Conducting an internet search for a “New York slip-and-fall lawyer” brings up an overwhelming number of options. Don’t let this get in the way of finding the appropriate legal representation.
Do your research to hire the right lawyer. This may improve your chances of achieving a successful outcome in your case.
Call Us to Discuss Your Winter Slip-and-Fall Accident With a Trusted Attorney
You might feel frazzled after a winter slip-and-fall accident in New York City. It’s OK to take a few days to let your body and pain heal, but you shouldn’t let the thought of taking legal action linger.
Instead, see what a slip-and-fall claim is worth by contacting Elliot Ifraimoff & Associates, PC. Call us at (718) 205-1010 for a free consultation with a New York slip-and-fall lawyer.
FAQs
Find answers to commonly asked questions about winter slip-and-fall accidents in NYC below.
Who Is Responsible for a Winter Slip-and-Fall Accident in New York?
Property owners are usually responsible for winter slip-and-fall accidents in New York that occur when they fail to or improperly clear snow and ice from sidewalks, stairs, and more. In some cases, the City of New York might also be responsible for accidents on public sidewalks, stairs, etc.
How Much Is a Winter Slip-and-Fall Case in NYC Worth?
A winter slip-and-fall case in NYC can be worth anywhere from several hundred to hundreds of thousands of dollars, depending on the circumstances. A personal injury lawyer will evaluate your case to determine its potential value.
What Does It Cost To Hire a New York Slip-and-Fall Lawyer?
The cost to hire a New York slip-and-fall lawyer is minimal at first. Many personal injury attorneys work on a contingency basis and only receive payments if they reach successful settlements or judgments in cases.